African News

Today, Coral Lodge 15.41, a unique luxury lodge at a prime beach location near the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ilha de Mozambique, announces their launch into the North American Market. This new property, ideal for a post-safari beach getaway, is modern with a distinctly African flavor, and offers guests the latest in luxury and comfort while maintaining an authentic feel of Mozambican pureness.

Acacia Adventure Holidays will be running a Madagascar “Tweet Up” on the tour operator’s Twitter page (www.twitter.com/AcaciaAfrica), this Friday 21 August. An ideal opportunity for agents to quiz the Africa specialist about the fourth largest island in the world, the “Tweet Up” is part of Acacia’s commitment to agent training.

Rani Resorts is proud to announce the addition of Vilanculos Beach Lodge, Mozambique, to its portfolio. The management agreement serves as a stepping-stone for the Rani Group, where plans for further such contracts are in the pipeline.

APG-Global Associates (APG-GA), whose US affiliate APG USA won the 2008 'ARC Sales Partnership of the Year Award' has introduced the Republic of Zambia based airline Zambezi Airlines (ZJ/707) into the Airlines Reporting Corporation, the $80 billion area settlement plan of the 18,100 ARC accredited US travel agents.

According to the June edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer international tourism declined by 8% between January and April compared to the same period last year. Destinations worldwide recorded a total of 247 million international tourist arrivals in those four months, down from 269 million in 2008. Given the changes in the outlook UNWTO has revised its forecast for the full year 2009. Taking account of the results for the first four months of the year and the current market conditions, international tourism is now forecast to decrease by between -6% and -4% in 2009, as the pace of decline is expected to ease during the remainder of 2009.

Situated in the heart of the Medina, maison mk a quirky six bedroom riad is offering a complete VIP party house experience. Fire eaters in the courtyard, clairvoyants predicting the future and henna tattooists merge to create the perfect traditional Moroccan celebration. No matter how simple or elaborate the occasion, the maison mk team will arrange everything from extravagant parties, sunset cocktails on the stylish roof terrace, pampering treatments in the on-site spa and hammam, VIP entrance into Marrakech’s hippest bars and personal shopping trips around the bustling medina.

Tunisia has reaffirmed its position as the top holiday hotspot for 2009, by opening its twelfth Iberostar property in the desert resort of Tozeur.

A rising trend has taken the tourism industry by storm. Culinary tourism, defined as ‘travel to learn about or enjoy unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences’, is topping the list of factors tourists look to when planning their next vacation.

The World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony took place at a star-studded event on 11 May held at the Durban ICC. More than 200 organisations were nominated in 75 categories for the Africa region, including airlines, airports, hotels, car hire, destinations, resorts, spas and travel agencies. South African Airways won Africa’s Leading Airline, Starwood Hotels won Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand and The Mount Nelson Hotel won Africa’s Leading Hotel.

This holiday season marks the last call for Crystal Cruises’ award-winning ships to Antarctica.

Travelport GDS, one of the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS) providers, has today announced details of the new, highly experienced team it has recruited both internally and externally as it sharpens its focus on growing its market presence throughout Africa.

The high waters flowing through northern Botswana in 2009 will cause the Selinda Spillway, in northern Botswana, to flow like it has not done for nearly three decades and will enable adventurers the opportunity to experience a rare first. The Selinda Spillway is an ideal setting for Botswana's newest canoeing and walking adventure safari. Set in the heart of the private 300 000 acre Great Plains Conservation's Selinda Reserve, the route will begin a little downstream from Motswiri Camp in the north-east of the Okavango Delta and travel eastwards along the Selinda Spillway through towards the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers close to where Selinda and Zarafa Camps are located .

As a result of the recent swine flu outbreak throughout the world, the Central American country of Belize has implemented several vigilant measures in an effort to protect all residents and travelers. While the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture and the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) have not been advised of any confirmed swine flu cases in Belize, the BTB is working closely with local health authorities to monitor any new developments.

Silversea Cruises announced today two new key executive appointments: Kenneth W. Watson, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Fabio Agostini, as Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

Over the last few years Sefofane Air Charters has expanded the size of its operation beyond the fixed wing air charter services it initially started out with. As the start of the 2009 photographic safari season is soon to commence, this reputable air charter company will soon implement two new routes:

Each year, millions of travelers from all over the world flock to Arizona to take advantage of the state’s famously sunny skies. However, it’s not until the skies go dark that the real fun begins.

South African Airways has announced that it has reached a new agreement with Virgin Blue to offer passengers greater choice, seamless transfers and more value fares to passengers travelling to South Africa through its Sydney and Perth hubs.

World Travel Awards are coming to Africa to unveil who international travel agents and industry professionals have voted the top operators and destinations in the industry on the continent.

Naibor, a luxurious camp right in the heart of the world famous Maasai Mara game reserve is offering couples an original way to show their love for one another in a true African environment. A Maasai blessing, performed for the couple by the medicine man and warriors from the local tribe is an unbeatable honeymoon or second wedding experience. The blessing allows couples to experience a rare and very precious insight into the Maasai culture first hand.